Published on: December 3, 2025
The Rural Development Institute (RDI-HIHT), Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2025 with warmth and enthusiasm at the Aadi Kailash Auditorium. The event, anchored gracefully by Ms. Neelam Pandey, Manager at RDI, unfolded under the global theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” With her calm and engaging presence, she guided the audience through a day dedicated to inclusion, dignity, and empowerment.
The celebration began with the ceremonial lamp lighting by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries—an expression of hope, shared purpose, and a collective commitment to building a society where every individual can participate and flourish. This symbolic beginning set a meaningful tone for the program, which aimed to deepen awareness, encourage participation, and expand opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Dr. Rajeev Bijalwan, Deputy Director, RDI, then delivered the welcome address. He reflected on RDI’s ongoing disability rehabilitation initiatives and spoke with empathy about the everyday challenges faced by persons with disabilities. His message emphasized that inclusion is not merely an institutional mandate but a moral responsibility—one that RDI continues to uphold through its sustained community efforts.
This was followed by an insightful presentation by Dr. Priyaranjan Avinash, Professor & Head, Department of Psychiatry, HIMS-SRHU, who shared the impactful journey of the Learning Disability Clinic established in 2019. He presented data related to the Learning Disability Clinic and explained how early identification, assessment, individualized learning support, and family counseling have transformed lives, with RDI’s awareness efforts helping bring learning disabilities into mainstream discussions.
A particularly touching highlight of the event was the role plays performed by university students. Through sensitive and heartfelt performances, they depicted the real-life challenges of persons with disabilities and showcased how Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) restores dignity, independence, and confidence. The audience was visibly moved by the clarity and compassion reflected in their enactments.
A significant moment of empowerment came with the distribution of assistive devices, sewing machines, bicycles, winter kits, and support for establishing small enterprises. The Chief Guest, Director RDI, and other dignitaries personally handed over these items, symbolizing not just assistance but pathways toward economic independence, improved mobility, and self-reliance.
The keynote address was delivered by Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SRHU, Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, who appreciated RDI’s unwavering commitment and shared anecdotes from his life experiences—reminding everyone that there was a time when disability-related issues were rarely discussed. Today, he noted, organizations like RDI-SRHU have reshaped this narrative by fostering sensitivity, awareness, and meaningful action. He emphasized the role of technology and urged SRHU departments to work collaboratively in developing AI-based solutions to support persons with disabilities and enhance their quality of life.
Director RDI, Ms. B. Maithili, also congratulated everyone on the occasion and emphasized the importance of continuing and strengthening the organization’s initiatives for the welfare of persons with disabilities.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Mr. Ravindra Verma, Deputy Manager, RDI, who acknowledged the contributions of guests, faculty, staff, students, and beneficiaries—the true inspiration behind RDI’s work. The 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration at RDI-SRHU stood as a powerful reminder that inclusion thrives when communities come together with compassion and purpose. The event highlighted the institution’s commitment to creating disability-friendly environments, strengthening community-based support, and upholding the belief that every individual deserves a life of dignity, opportunity, and joy.
